Articles tagged with: Shannon Hoon

This is a beautiful song about the need and power of change. "When life is hard, you have to change." We all know that. Shannon Hoon, who originally sang this song, who was the lead singer of the band Blind Melon, was another one, lost to the disease of addiction. This is actually his daughter, singing the song. Nico was just a baby when her father died, and she is a voice that speaks volumes about the devastation of addiction. But, she sounds beautiful here, singing...

Olivia, writes:
Cindy, Evan my 19 year old son will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. He checked in following a near fatal Heroin overdose. I am very concerned about his continued use and do not think it is a good idea for him to return home so soon. Any suggestions?

Cindy, writes:
Olivia, Evan should not return home so quickly as it is the same environment where he used Heroin. The detox process is the first stage of treatment, which is occurring at the hospital. Rather than return home Evan should check into a residential treatment center to address the issues that cause and trigger his Heroin use.

Julie writes:
Hi Cindy, my son Brent needs help. He is 25 years old and has been struggling with a heroin addiction. This has been going on for a few years, and things are going downhill very fast now.
I know he is a good person inside, but somewhere along the way he has turned into someone I don’t even recognize anymore. He has told me that he is willing to go to treatment, but we are having trouble locating the right treatment center.
We are trying to find a place close to home so I can visit him, and be here for him. I know he doesn’t want to leave home, and it is also important to me to be close to him during this process. I have researched your facilities, and they look great. I just worry about sending my son so far away. Can you help us?

Cindy writes:
Thank you for your questions Julie. I realize your concerns about out of state treatment for your son. However, there are many benefits to seeking treatment away from home. Often, what the addict needs is a fresh start, to get away from the environment they are accustomed to.
One of the most important steps towards Brent’s recovery will be removing him from the environment that has proven to be harmful to his health. Choosing to seek treatment out of state will help eliminate any distractions a facility close to home may offer.
The possibility of meeting up with old friends while in treatment near home can be dangerous for those in recovery. With your son in a new state, away from familiar areas and reminders of drug use, the temptation to leave treatment early is greatly reduced. Being placed in a new, healthy environment will give your son a chance to focus solely on himself, and his recovery.
Although the distance can be hard for a parent, it may very well be your son’s best chance for recovery.